Saudi Arabia has initiated Chinese language classes in schools, aiming to equip young students with valuable linguistic skills and foster a deeper cultural appreciation for China.
The program targets primary and middle school students, with 175 educators currently teaching Mandarin across the Kingdom, following an education agreement signed with China last year.
The Saudi Ministry of Education emphasized that learning Chinese will enhance students’ job prospects and opportunities for higher education at prestigious Chinese universities.
Hanan Alharbi, a mother from Riyadh, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, recognizing it as a significant step towards promoting global culture and providing useful language skills.
This move aligns with China’s increasing influence in the global economy and the strengthening trade relations between the two nations.
The ministry plans to gradually expand the curriculum to include Chinese language instruction up to the third secondary grade by 2029, allowing for effective evaluation and adjustments to the program.
Chinese educators view this initiative as a mutual benefit, fostering better communication and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China.
The program is part of a broader commitment by the Saudi government to invest in education, in line with the Vision 2030 strategy.
